Optical Receptacle Assembly Impact Buffer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
In optical communication systems, the existing receptacle assemblies are prone to stress concentration and solder separation due to impact forces, leading to potential breakage of the optical module when connected to a host circuit board.
Innovation Solution
A receptacle assembly with a metal receptacle cage and connector cover design, featuring a module slot and connector slot with specific clearance dimensions to accommodate an optical module, including protection walls to absorb impact and prevent direct contact between the plug connector and the receptacle connector, thereby enhancing impact resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the plug connector is directly connected to the receptacle connector with minimal clearance, then the connection precision and electrical contact reliability are improved, but the impact resistance deteriorates due to stress concentration on the printed circuit board end and solder joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connector cover that creates a buffer space (first clearance) between the plug connector and receptacle connector. This buffer zone absorbs impact forces before they reach the printed circuit board and solder joints, preventing stress concentration while maintaining connection reliability through proper positioning features
2Reliability
If the connector slot is designed with tight tolerances for precise alignment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the impact resistance deteriorates due to reduced stress distribution capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the clearance space into two distinct zones: a first clearance (buffer zone) between the plug connector and receptacle connector for absorbing impact forces, and a second clearance (positioning zone) between the connector cover and plug connector for maintaining alignment. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific function independently
3Device complexity
If the receptacle connector is mounted close to the printed circuit board end for compact design, then the device complexity is reduced, but the impact resistance deteriorates due to increased stress on solder joints
Solution Approach 1:
The connector cover acts as an intermediary component that introduces a protective buffer zone between the plug connector and receptacle connector. This intermediary structure absorbs impact forces and prevents direct stress transmission to the solder joints, thereby protecting the connection reliability while maintaining compact design
Data Source
AI summary
An optical module receptacle assembly includes a receptacle cage to detachably house an optical module, a receptacle connector housed in a receptacle connector accommodating portion of the receptacle cage, and a connector cover covering the receptacle connector. A given clearance CLE, which is greater than a clearance CLD being set smaller than a clearance CLA, is formed between an upper surface of a tip end portion of a plug connector of the optical module and an inner peripheral surface of a slot of the receptacle connector.